Nearly 40 percent of U.S. high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With adolescent mental health concerns on the rise, why aren’t we using one of the most accessible tools available?
While therapy and medication are common approaches to addressing depression, the power of physical activity is often overlooked. School is a high-stress environment and exercise can help students feel better mentally but also perform better in class. Integrating structured physical activity into the curriculum — beyond traditional physical education – could make a significant difference. The current system doesn’t prioritize exercise as a mental health tool — it treats it as a box to check.
The mental benefits of exercise may even outweigh the physical ones. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and boost self-esteem. It releases endorphins, which naturally help relieve symptoms of depression, and provides a healthy and productive outlet for built-up tension. Unlike medication, which can have side effects, or therapy, which can be expensive while exercise is a natural and accessible tool for improving mental health. A 2019 study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that a little movement goes a long way – just 15 minutes a day or a brisk walk can cut your risk of depression by 26 percent. Beyond easing symptoms, regular physical activity can prevent future relapses.
Redwood already offers physical education; however, the current approach often treats exercises as just another requirement to graduate rather than a meaningful part of student wellness. Rather than focusing on generic fitness tests or occasional group activities, the school should incorporate consistent, personalized workouts that support students’ wellness beyond high school. These should be designed with mental health in mind, offering a variety of exercise forms that cater to different interests and needs. For example, Redwood could introduce wellness-focused electives such as yoga, dance, or strength training, giving students more ownership over their physical well-being. Additionally, the school could emphasize daily flexible physical activity time, allowing students to choose how they move — whether it’s stretching, walking or dancing — to help manage stress and re-energize. According to triathlete and youth advocate Kenan Pala, physical activity isn’t a break from learning – it’s a vital part of it, helping kids develop the focus and discipline they need to thrive in school.
Electives like strength training, running, dancing or yoga could give students more choice, ownership, and motivation to stay active. This would help students better manage stress, increase focus and build a stronger sense of self-esteem. By offering a range of activities, the school could ensure that students find something that resonates with them and benefits their overall well-being.
Beyond structured electives, small changes could also make a big impact. Teachers could build more movement into the school day by incorporating stretch breaks, walking time or short outdoor sessions between lessons. According to Fresno Pacific University, teachers have the power to inspire students to stay active – both inside and outside the classroom, promoting healthier more energetic lives
Sitting for hours on end isn’t just harmful to physical health — it also drains energy, focus and motivation, making it harder for students to stay engaged in class. Just a few minutes of movement could help students reset and re-energize.
Of course, exercise isn’t the only cure for depression and shouldn’t replace other mental health resources. But in a world where student stress and depression are rising, Redwood can’t afford to overlook a solution that’s already within reach. If Redwood is serious about their students’ mental health, it’s time to make exercise a priority — not an afterthought.
